City spokesman Robbins leaving West Palm for FPL

The next mayor won’t have to decide whether or not to hire a new mouthpiece — the current spokesman, Peter Robbins, made the decision easy, accepting a job with FPL in the communication department of its nuclear division. He will leave the city on Dec. 1.

That leaves the city with only spokesman Chase Scott, who also serves as the public information officer for the city’s fire and police departments.

The city will likely hire a part-time employee or move an existing employee to fill Robbins’ position part time. The next mayor will then hire at least one new spokesperson after the March elections.

Robbins — the recorded voice you hear on the city’s automated phone menu — said the decision to go to FPL made sense. He called it a good personal move, and also said the uncertainty of a new mayor played into the decision.

“There’s the uncertainty of a new mayor, and we’re facing budget challenges again next year,” Robbins said. “In some ways, next year might be worse than this past year. The number of cuts won’t be quite as big, they’ve already cut a lot of things out of the budget. But to find more places to cut, it’s going to be tough.”

Mayor Lois Frankel praised Robbins for working with her for more than half her time in office.

“He was a great contributor to the city,” Frankel said. “I have mixed emotions — of course you’re disappointed that he’s leaving, but it’s something expected and I’m very happy for him. The kind of job he had, it’s a stepping stone to the future for someone.”

Robbins was hired in 2006 after working as a television news anchor in Augusta, Georgia.